THE DESPISED SON-IN-LAW { RISE TO POWER}

chapter nine

Unseen Battles

Andrew was seated in his corner office, his hands tightly clenched into fists. He banged the table right in front of him in annoyance. The papers on his desk showed Daniel had been successful. The man Andrew had previously made fun of and embarrassed was now surpassing all others in the company, including him

“This is unacceptable,” Andrew muttered under his breath. “He’s making me look weak.”

The next day, Andrew called a meeting with the senior team. Daniel noticed the angry look on Andrew’s face as he addressed the group.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Andrew began, “there have been some concerns about certain projects being handled… carelessly. I don't need to call out certain names, but we all need to step up our game.” he said without flinching. He knew who he was taking so he doesn't need to stress himself

Several pairs of eyes turned toward Daniel, who remained calm. He knew Andrew was trying to tarnish his reputation, but he wouldn’t let him walk all over him anymore.

Later, during break time hours at the cafeteria, some of the workers whisper behind Daniel wherever he goes.

“I heard he’s been cutting corners,” one coworker said.

“Really? I thought he was doing great,” another replied.

Daniel ignored the murmurs, focusing instead on the task the system had given him

“System message: Stay calm. Gather evidence of Andrew’s sabotage.”

Over the next week, Daniel quietly documented every shady and illegal activity Andrew made. He kept a record of emails, overheard conversations, and suspicious alterations to his work. The system guided him, ensuring he left no stone unturned.

One evening, as he sat reviewing the evidence, the system spoke: “System voice; You’ve done well. It’s time to turn the tables.”

The following day, Daniel walked into Andrew’s office with a file in hand.

“Andrew, do you have a moment?” he said with a satisfactory smile on his face as he adjusted his suit.

Andrew looked up, his expression a little intermediating . “Make it quick, Daniel. I’m busy.” he said glancing through the files he had on his table

Daniel placed the file on Andrew’s desk. “I thought you’d like to see this. It’s a record of all the changes you’ve made to my projects without me agreeing to any of it. Along with the emails you’ve sent to discredit my works.”

Andrew’s face turned pale. “What are you talking about?” he asked collecting the files immediately from him and faked ignorance.

“I’m talking about sabotage, Andrew,” Daniel said, his voice firm. “I’ve already shared this with HR. They’ll be investigating the matter starting tomorrow.”

Andrew’s jaw tightened. “You think you can come in here and threaten me?”

“I’m not threatening you,” Daniel replied. “I’m just letting you know that your games are over.”

As Daniel walked out of the office, he felt a rush of pride. The system’s voice echoed in his mind: “System voice ; You are no longer a victim. You are a force to be reckoned with. And very soon we shall show them who we really are.”

So far so good, the system had been of great help without asking for anything in return that Daniel began to get worried. But since he just needed to fulfill some office task he didn't see any reason why he needed to be scared.

Across town, Sarah sat in her small apartment, staring at the news feed on her phone. She couldn’t escape stories of Daniel’s rise in the company. Her friends were talking about him, her family was praising him, and even strangers on social media seemed impressed by his transformation. He was the lucky boy everyone and everyone wanted to even be his friend. Sarah couldn't believe the same man who she had left a few months back was suddenly doing good and building a name for himself.

She set her phone down, her chest filled with regret. She had left Daniel because she thought he would never amount to anything. Now, he was proving her wrong in every way possible.

Sarah glanced at the framed photo on her coffee table—a picture of her and Daniel from their wedding day. She picked it up, running her fingers over the glass.

“I messed up,” she whispered to herself. “I should’ve stood by him.”

Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from her sister.

“Have you seen what Daniel’s been doing lately?” her sister asked. “He’s unstoppable. Honestly, Sarah, you should’ve stayed with him. You had it all.”

Sarah bit her lip, trying to hold back tears. “It’s not that simple,” she muttered.

Her sister sighed. “Well, it’s clear he’s moved on. You should, too.”

But Sarah couldn’t move on. Every success Daniel achieved felt like a reminder of her failure, and her guilt only deepened.

Back in his apartment, Daniel sat on the balcony, staring out at the city lights. He had come so far in such a short time, and the system had been there every step of the way.

“Why are you helping me?” Daniel asked aloud, hoping for an answer.

The system’s voice was calm. “Because you needed it. And because you are destined for greatness. The system is there to uplift the bullies like yourself and it is only right that I came to your aid. Is there something you want to ask me?”

“No.” Daniel leaned back in his chair, a small smile on his face. For the first time in years, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Meanwhile, Andrew sat in his office, fuming. He couldn’t let Daniel win.

“He thinks he’s smarter than me?” Andrew muttered, pacing the room. “We’ll see about that.”

He picked up his phone and dialed a number. “It’s me. I need your help with a… delicate situation. Meet me tonight.”

Andrew wasn’t going down without a fight, and Daniel had no idea what was coming next.

The unseen battles raged on, with Daniel growing stronger and Andrew becoming more desperate. And as Sarah wrestled with her regrets, the stage was set for the next confrontation.